Traditional shawl making gets a makeover in Sikkim

Published: Monday, July 6, 2009, 22:18 [IST]

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Gangtok (Sikkim), July 6 (ANI): The art of making traditional Angora shawls in Sikkim is getting a makeover, as handicrafts and handloom department of the state is adopting new designs and techniques to enhance its popularity.

Moving ahead of the traditional designs like Buddha eight lucky sign and endless knot, the State handloom department is focusing on incorporating use of other motifs and embroidery in shawls.

"Recently, we sent our girls to Kullu in Himachal Pradesh for graph training. Now we are incorporating all known motifs and designs in Sikkim to our shawls," said Chozang Lepcha, Deputy Director of Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom of Sikkim.

"We have also tried to incorporate embroidery to our shawls. We are witnessing a good market for our new designs," Lepcha added.

The department also plans to utilize information technology for developing modern designs.

"Recently, in our institute, the Computer Aided Design (CAD) facility has been established. Now we want to include modern design in our shawls with the help of CAD," Lepcha informed.

With 32 centres across the state, the handloom department intents to preserve traditional arts and crafts while training and employing the local youth.

Angora shawls are made of Angora wool obtained from Angora rabbit breed locally. Originally available in grey, brown and white colours, Angora shawls are in high demand because of warmness and smoothness. (ANI)